I'm stepping down this evening from the position of President of the Melksham Chamber of Commerce. Traditionally, this role is held for a year or two; I had the honour of being elected to the position in 2009 and thank members for re-appointing me at each of the subsequent seven Annual General Meetings. It has been an honour to serve The Chamber and to look out for the wider Melksham business and resident's community for all this time.

Time passes. My wife Lisa retired from working day to day for Well House in January this year, and it's time for me too to wind down. As noted last month at the regular meeting, Lisa and I are reducing the plethora of commitments that we have built up since we moved to Melksham at the tail end of 1999. We still remember our very first Chamber meeting in 2000, where we were made so welcome - and although a lot has changed in Melksham, it remains a beacon of welcome to newcomers, and thrives on that welcoming attitude.

Our reduced commitments mean we're consolidating to one property - our home on The Spa.

We have more space than we need just to live, and the Well House Collection - our Museum for Melksham - will probably be moving there. This will allow it to expand, and will allow visitors to see inside one of the historic Spa Houses which are a motif for Melksham. My IT training courses have taken me away more and more in recent years; occasional small classes will be held in Melksham - either in my office / conference room at The Spa, or in a room rented elsewhere - perhaps even here at Well House Manor, though we'll no longer be the proprietor.

I'll continue in my role as a director of TravelWatch SouthWest, and with TransWilts Community Rail Partnership. Moving on from developing commuter and local residential traffic on the local railway to attracting visitors from outside the area and indeed from overseas, it's logical for TransWilts to rebase itself at one of our stations - with the historic station at Chippenham, gateway to our line, being the logical choice. There will still be a lot of activity in Melksham too - the Melksham Rail User Group holds its AGM this Friday, for example.

In eight years, I have met three MPs for Melksham, worked with a three layer local government arrangement and seen it become a two layer system, and bed in. I have seen an increase in regulation and paperwork on small businesses, in spite of election pledges to the contrary. Much of it for the good of staff, but things good businesses have looked to provide anyway. I have seen promotion of both charity and local government business in direct or consequential competition with startups of commercial companies, with local government professing not to compete yet doing so.

And yet with all of those political and commercial pressures, I've seen Melksham thriving and growing. The likes of Herman Miller and Knorr Bremse have chosen to base their UK operators here. Companies like Copper Tires continue to be major employers, the likes of Gompels and Superior Graphics grow. Lisa and I never cease to marvel as to how - with even the most obscure requirement - you can find a source on Bowerhill. And our town has seen a flurry of new supermarkets, yet continues to have very few vacant shops.

But although I talk about local sourcing, the modern information era has changed the world out of all recognition over the past 8 years. 8 years ago, the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce provided centralised secretarial, phone, fax and support services to aboy 20 chambers across Wiltshire; that's changed - with tools now being available for support within the towns where central pooling of resource was previously the only sensible way, and the Wessex Association has re-invented itself into "Inspire" - a significant business in its own right, contacting work for Wiltshire Council and others from whom it was previously fiercely independent, and competing with the likes of the Federation of Small Businesses (and local chambers sometimes) for membership offering consolidated support services such as legal advise. Links remain between the Melksham Chamber and Inspire, but Inspire is a child that was born of six local chambers and has now grown up and left home.

Modern businesses operators have little time for trade association meetings. They join (if it's made cheap or free, and easy) so that they have the backup of the association if they have problems, but rarley attend meetings. And indeed with local government having moved from being lightweight to employing tens of thousands of staff in the county, all of whom interact in some form or another with local residents and businesses, the Chambers have moved very much more towards concerns between local businesses and the infrastructure and service providers.

This issue of attracting member isn't limited to chambers. FSB membership has dropped by 40% in the last 4 years, and the Melksham Independent Traders association formed and wound up. Council lead initiative such as the Town Centre and Bowerhill groups rely on council support rather than being independent, and even then may just splutter along.

But businesses are used to change, to experimenting with ideas and to moving forward with the times.

Melksham is a very different town to it was 8 years ago - but a thriving one. Not all aspirations have been achieved, but some have, some are underway and (alas) some have been still-borne. It's a better town - not (frankly) due much if at all to my activities as president, but I've thoroughly enjoyed being here to support the progress •[93] much of it being oiled by the most local level •[93] town and parish •[93] councils not only Melksham, but also Melksham Community Area.

A big •Üthank you •[9d] too to Chamber of Commerce committee members and officers •[93] in recent times Colin and Phil •[93] for their hard work which is so much part of Chamber •[93] but also to others before them. I wish you well for the future; Well House Consultants will remain as Chamber members if we may, but I'll stand down from The Committee too in order to give free reign for the future.

Looking forward ... what do I see on the agenda? I will leave these as subject areas for the incoming President, officers and committee to develop.

* Neighbourhood Plan

* Road and public transport - e.g. new bypass and bridge

* Elections

* Campus and Skate Park

* Brexit (with international companies HQ'd in Melksham)

* Canal

* Healthcare Provision

* Housing and hotels

* Looking after an ageing population

... Graham Ellis
9th May 2017

About the Chamber

The MELKSHAM Chamber of Commerce and Industry represents its members, then Melksham's general business interest. Any business is welcome to join; as well as Chamber representation, membership benefits include access to training, information, the ability to input to local political process the effects businesses, and a variety of local and wider discounts. Melksham Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce (Inspire), with local and association memberships available.

Associated topics are indexed as below, or enter http://melksh.am/nnnn for individual articles

Z402 - Melksham Chamber of Commerce and Industry[4672] Annual review of Melksham Matters for Chamber of Commerce AGM - (2016-05-15)[4399] The Campus in Melksham - name, logo, and livery choice - (2015-01-18)[4278] Future Swindon - Westbury train services. At current level into the future? - (2014-05-25)[4170] Herman Miller coming to Melksham - the Chamber of Commerce is briefed - (2013-09-10)[4164] Melksham Market - every Tuesday - (2013-09-03)[4151] Tell me a bit about Melksham - (2013-08-10)[4103] Questions from children about Melksham Campus - (2013-05-26)[4097] Melksham Chamber of Commerce - Report for AGM, 21st May 2013 - (2013-05-21)[4046] Over a hundred welcoming businesses - Melksham Town Centre - (2013-03-17)[4041] Report on the last year - Melksham Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Melksham Without Parish Council - (2013-03-11)[4014] Costa Coffee in Melksham - is it a good idea? - (2013-02-22)[4002] Images of Melksham you havent seen before - (2013-02-13)[3987] Melksham Chamber of Commerce - join us in our future - (2013-01-21)[3948] Quiet little town? Advanced Technology Centre? - (2012-12-08)[3889] Melksham Chamber of Commerce - whence in 2013 and beyond? - (2012-10-12)[3880] Chamber of Commerce - looking forward in Melksham and in Wessex - (2012-10-04)[3867] The difficult interface between the business, council and voluntary sectors - (2012-09-19)[3850] Bus times - Chippenham Station to Melksham, with London connections - (2012-08-25)[3818] Making things happen - litter and ASB and lost dogs in Melksham - (2012-07-25)[3812] The Melksham News - July 2012 - Part 1, Campus and Chamber of Commerce - (2012-07-22)[3787] Melksham Pride - the Chamber of Commerce, and the future - (2012-06-29)[3768] Melksham Chamber of Commerce - looking to our future shape. Pivotal meeting next Tuesday - (2012-06-19)[3767] How well do you know Melksham? - (2012-06-17)[3752] Melksham Visitors Map - Bus routes and train lines to and from the town - (2012-06-04)[3751] Public transport for international arrivals into Melksham - (2012-06-04)[3748] Not everyone has a computer - 9 more ways to learn about the Melksham Campus - (2012-06-03)[3739] Go green - business seminar in Melksham - (2012-05-21)[3732] Ten more visitors to your premises every day? - (2012-05-14)[3714] Just 12 winners? Or 371 or more? Town Centres. - (2012-04-30)[3710] Encouraging business in Melksham and its neighbourhood - keep business local?? - (2012-04-27)[3706] An exciting Chamber of Commerce AGM - sound like an Oxymoron? - (2012-04-25)[3700] Why do people use chains rather than independent traders? - (2012-04-18)[3697] Events in Melksham - read all about them, and tell us about yours - (2012-04-15)[3696] Melksham government and business organisations - (2012-04-14)[3693] Wiltshire Business Support Service - (2012-04-11)[3682] Melksham Business Newsreel - (2012-04-03)[3677] Some advise for guest speakers at meetings - (2012-03-31)[3672] Melksham Train Service - please support the TransWilts case for regular trains - (2012-03-25)[3663] Changing shops and organisations - Melksham, the last and next five years - (2012-03-21)[3627] Meeting Report - Tuesday 21st Feb - to Melksham Chamber of Commerce from Shadow Community Operations Board - (2012-02-27)[3598] Melksham Civic Awards - report and pictures - (2012-01-29)[3560] Melksham, Month by month through 2011 - (2011-12-23)[3527] Melksham - changing times, an opportunity for the future - (2011-11-23)[3496] Melksham - Business to Business Speed Networking - build ahead for 2012 - (2011-10-26)[3495] Looking forward - Chamber of Commerce has 2012 and beyond on the agenda - (2011-10-26)[3492] Upcoming events in and about Melksham - more dates for your diary - (2011-10-22)[3481] Some thoughts in answer to some Melksham Campus questions - (2011-10-14)[3475] Havant - Shop Frontages. - (2011-10-12)[3470] Currently pictured in Melksham - (2011-10-09)[3438] Melksham to become a part of Trowbridge? - (2011-09-13)[3427] What is on the Melksham Agenda? - (2011-09-09)[3423] 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 12? - (2011-09-07)[3420] Making best use of the new enthusiasm for Melksham - (2011-09-05)[3383] Are people who walk into Melksham being asked to subsidise parking? - (2011-08-09)[3380] Melksham Jelly - An Occasional Office for Home Workers - (2011-08-06)[3343] Summer Sunday Train Service Starts - Swindon Chippenham and Melksham to Weymouth - (2011-07-03)[3340] Summer Sunday Timetable - TransWilts Trains - (2011-06-30)[3334] A lesson from the sporran market? - (2011-06-25)[3325] The Olympic Torch, and Melksham House - (2011-06-14)[3307] Melksham Community Radio launches - (2011-05-28)[3299] Presidents Report to Melksham Chamber of Commerce, 24.5.2011 - (2011-05-24)[3279] Letter to The Editor - (2011-05-06)[3275] Melksham Chamber of Commerce - grows to appoint new Press Officer. Welcome. Sam - (2011-05-02)[3272] Melksham Car Parking - current charges and limits - (2011-05-01)[3249] Events - Spring and Early Summer 2011 in Melksham - (2011-04-17)[3246] Melksham - the way forward. 26th April, Well House Manor - (2011-04-13)[3217] Vandalism and riot from the minority - the effect - (2011-03-28)[3214] Melksham Campus - any last minute inputs from Melksham businesses? - (2011-03-26)[3193] Melksham Campus - what, why, questions, concerns and how you can input - (2011-03-04)[3188] What proportion of the British Workforce still works a Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, week? - (2011-03-01)[3173] What is the Melksham Chamber of Commerce? - (2011-02-18)[3172] On consultations, car parking, and Melksham town centre - (2011-02-17)[3162] Keep your business customer-friendly! - (2011-02-09)[3141] Wiltshire Rail services - a golden opportunity - (2011-01-21)[3117] Opportunities for Melksham - new businesses in the town - (2011-01-01)[3113] Trowbridge and Melksham to Chippenham - more roadworks, even slower journey over the winter - (2010-12-30)[3088] Melksham - two many councils? - (2010-12-16)[2995] A river in Melksham is not just for boaters. - (2010-10-11)[2982] Travel, Transport and Tourism - A vision for Melksham, 2026 - (2010-10-03)[2959] A Melksham news roundup - (2010-09-18)[2957] Welcome to Countrywides new Melksham store - (2010-09-15)[2932] Getting into and out of Wiltshire towns .. a.k.a. Car Parking? - (2010-08-23)[2891] Wiltshire Council ask how they can help businesses - (2010-07-27)[2883] Melksham Oak - photos of the new community school - (2010-07-22)[2872] Moved - Melksham Lorry Park - (2010-07-15)[2867] Cycling in Melksham, and looking forward - (2010-07-11)[2853] Transport in Wessex - today and into the future - (2010-07-04)[2837] Lorry Parking in Melksham - (2010-06-29)[2827] Melksham - a gem in Wiltshire - (2010-06-26)[2782] Tell the Melksham Chamber or you only have yourself to blame - (2010-05-26)[2779] The history and future of Melksham Chamber of Commerce - (2010-05-25)[2770] Melksham Chamber of Commerce - Presidents report to AGM - (2010-05-19)[2725] How do our tactics help us meet the strategy, for the greater good? - (2010-04-16)[2683] Car Parking in Melksham - (2010-03-18)[2666] Random thoughts on Melksham Town Planning and development - (2010-03-08)[2640] How is your tax pound spent? - (2010-02-18)[2594] Melksham Area - your community view is sought - (2010-01-23)[2568] Forums for your Melksham and open source discussions - (2010-01-09)[2546] How well do you know Melksham - a quiz for Christmas - (2009-12-21)[2544] Vision for Wiltshire - (2009-12-20)[2540] Rock and hard place .. and the relaxing right one won - (2009-12-18)[2531] Melksham - new Tuesday Market - (2009-12-09)[2521] Melksham Market - Tuesdays, 09:00 to 14:00 - (2009-12-01)[2514] The road show has been - where now? - (2009-11-27)[2508] Community Area Partnership - inaugural AGM - (2009-11-20)[2495] Planning the future of Wiltshire - (2009-11-07)[2487] Melksham Forum - (2009-11-01)[2465] Melksham Town - asleep or awake? - (2009-10-21)[2459] New Web Site for Melksham Chamber of Commerce - (2009-10-18)[2437] Wiltshire Unitary News - Chamber of Commerce Intelligence - (2009-10-04)[2328] Melksham - no trains, no southbound buses through the town - (2009-08-08)[2289] pre-Inaugural briefing - Melksham Community Area Partnership - (2009-07-15)[2288] Wiltshire Community Area Partnerships - (2009-07-15)[2260] Important - the future of Melksham / Chamber of Commerce - (2009-06-28)[2220] Melksham Traders - where do we go? - (2009-06-05)[2194] Melksham Business Map - Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Information and Town Council - (2009-05-21)[2181] You cannot please all of the people all of the time - (2009-05-14)[2119] Make your business a DESTINATION business - (2009-04-05)[2111] Business Networking for Melksham - 23rd April - (2009-04-01)[2095] Blue Ridge and Melksham Chambers of Commerce - (2009-03-21)[2043] Confidence, Customer Service and Tourism in Melksham - (2009-02-15)[1987] One Cheer for Local Democracy - Asda in Melksham - (2009-01-11)[1979] Looking forward, in Melksham, in 2009 - (2009-01-05)[1934] Lidl opens in Melksham - (2008-12-11)[1904] Ruby, Perl, Linux, MySQL - some training notes - (2008-11-23)[1892] Melksham Chamber of Commerce and Industry - (2008-11-17)[1881] Wiltshire Council says - part 1 - (2008-11-13)[1880] Melksham Chamber of Commerce, or the FSB - (2008-11-12)[1792] All the pieces fall into place - hotel and courses - (2008-09-10)[1748] Hotel room prices - Melksham, Wiltshire - (2008-08-11)[1642] Summer! - (2008-05-15)[1633] Changing a screen saver from a web page (PHP, Perl, OSX) - (2008-05-06)[1507] Comments on proposed Asda Superstore for Melksham - (2008-01-14)[1504] Flooding by Asda-s proposed new supermarket - (2008-01-12)[1476] Shopping for Christmas and looking forward - (2007-12-17)[1432] Wiltshire County Council - Budget Consultation - (2007-11-15)[1429] Remembrance day - inside a church and inside the day - (2007-11-11)[1250] Business speed networking - a place tonight! - (2007-06-28)[1223] Asda opening large new store in Melksham - (2007-06-08)[717] A customer service company - (2006-05-11)

This is a page archived from The Horse's Mouth at
http://www.wellho.net/horse/ -
the diary and writings of Graham Ellis.
Every attempt was made to provide current information at the time the
page was written, but things do move forward in our business - new software
releases, price changes, new techniques. Please check back via
our main site for current courses,
prices, versions, etc - any mention of a price in "The Horse's Mouth"
cannot be taken as an offer to supply at that price.